This is a "what if".
*If* we win this Sunday versus the Eagles and both Green Bay and Detroit lose, is it best to start Cutler week 17 or sit him? Our seed would be cemented in the playoffs no matter what happens in week 17 since we would clinch the division and we'd have the head-to-head tie breaker over both Dallas and Philadelphia regardless of what they do in the final week.
Conventional wisdom says you rest your star players to avoid injuries. In this case though, we have a backup who doesn't give you much of a dropoff and a starter who just came back from injury and may benefit rhythm-wise from extra reps. Also, we're trying to get as much of a feel for him as possible so we'd make the most informed decision regarding whether we should resign him and how much he's worth.
For the record, I'd probably still play it safe and play McCown. But this would be pretty unique.
Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
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Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
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- Sixth Man
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
- blumeany
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
I'd play him the first half. It's a compromise. First unit gets some burn, but you mitigate *some* of the risk.
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
- RedBulls23
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
Play Cutler the first half or 3 qtr. And then sit him the 4th. I think it would be smart to get him as many game reps as possible before the playoffs.
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
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- Assistant Coach
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
You gotta give him at least a half. Needs to get in rhythm.
Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
- BR0D1E86
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Re: Week 17 scenario: Would you start Cutler?
He plays. Maybe he sits early but he needs reps.